{Adventure, Bygone Eras, Creativity, Fairytales, Fashion, & Hope}

Hello dearies and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2016 was by far the most adventurous year of my life thus far traveling 19 states, living in 5 of them, + a 6 week trip to Sweden! I learned many a lesson through all the ups and downs of traveling, volunteering, working, and being homeless; which I am going to share with you now! I hope you can find some truth or inspiration from all the lessons I’ve learned through all my adventures & misadventures of 2016!

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE: What impossible dreams do you have? Life feel like it always gets in the way or your goals? It may be because the right thing is just around the corner but you need to have a spirit of adventure to see it! Here is a compilation of all our 2016 Tales of Sheaves adventures we captured for our Married Life YouTube channel:

2. LIVE IN THE MOMENT: When I’m stressed or depressed I often find myself either pining for things of the past or dreaming of the future. Those things have their place and time of course, but I realized that I was letting my days fly by and not being thankful for the precious seconds of my life as they were happening. Speaking of, it’s amazing what you can capture in 10 seconds. Here’s time lapse video of nearly ALL my Snapchat/Instagram stories from Nov 2015-Dec 2016 compiled into 5 minutes but *BE WARNED: FAST IMAGES*

3. INSPIRATION COMES & GOES: As much as I love documenting our epic adventures on Tales of Sheaves and all my fashion adventures on Lindsay of Sheaves there are MANY times when I have no inspiration and I would feel guilty for not putting out enough content OR I wouldn’t put out anything new because I didn’t feel good enough. It took me FOREVER to finish my USA road trip lookbook but it was worth the wait! It was in those times that I would post on my Snapchat/Instagram the most where I felt it was OK to be raw and unedited, and guess what…it’s helped me learn to love myself in every shape in form and realize it’s ok when you’re not feeling inspired, it will come back in the right time!

4. LET GO: Saying “bye for now” to everything and everyone I love in California (again) was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do but over time I saw that by letting go of something in your life that isn’t meant to be is the best thing you can do and opens your heart to new possibilities, your mind to freedom, and life to new adventures!

5. CLIMB MOUNTAINS: “Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow until you find your dream!” Those lyrics from The Sound of Music certainly inspired me during our time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and Virginia.

6. TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY: We did a last minute “Gone With The Wind” photo shootbefore we left Georgia to move to Virginia and had no idea the hard road of ahead of us. We encountered many dishonest people who took advantage of us but we kept taking it one day at a time and did some have fun adventures in the Shenandoah Valley despite the many misadventures.

7. LIVE ON LESS: I definitely learned how to TRAVEL LIGHT and even came up with my own packing hack of using Ziplocs to stay organized in your suitcase that came in SO handy as we traveled by car across America and by plane to Sweden! Living on less has become a lifestyle and it’s always fun to see how everything you need comes your way even if it’s not what you “want”, it’s always enough.

8. TIME HEALS: It’s no secret Sweden left me with a few scars both physically and mentally. I had carpal tunnel syndrome surgery there 6 weeks before moving to America with Jonas in 2015 and it was much longer recovery than expected. I felt guilty and pressured to find work but deep down always knew my body would tell me when it was ready and 2016 was finally the year of healing for my hand! It was bizarre passing the hospital on our Swedish summer trip and realizing how far I’d gone and how strong I’d become since then.

I was a little nervous of what it would be like going back to Sweden and a different language environment again and there were days where I had major anxiety and panic attacks…but I was ok! I knew how to navigate it better (though it’s never fun to go through) and had a glorious summer time of picnics by the sea, exploring castles with Jonas & his family, and you can see some of my Swedish summer lookbook here:

9. EMBRACE CHANGE: When we moved to California (for all of 7 months) I had such aspirations of starting my #RoadToRetro and dressing vintage but all of that was changed when we decided to move to the East Coast and work on a farm. At first I was embarrassed that I had “changed” and wasn’t what my social media accounts expected anymore. I did lose a lot of followers but I realized…WHO CARES!

10. BE UNIQUE: I have so many different aspects to my personality and interests and I should NEVER be ashamed of changing my style. In fact, I learned to EMBRACE change and run with it for that it truly when the magic of adventure happens. Plus, it’s just SO much fun to play with different fashions and who is to say you can’t be a faerie, or pinup princess, or retro spooky, or country western whenever you please?!

11. TAKE RISKS: Workaway is the most rewarding thing Jonas & I have done with our lives so far. Helping others while they help you is just such a magical thing. We met such incredible people through this volunteer/cultural exchange program and will forever hold the adventures we had together near to our hearts. How could I ever had known that I’d be spending my 30th birthday in New England with my Workawayfamily in search of faeries?!

12. BE POSITIVE: This can go SUCH a long way in beating depression when it hits. When a dark cloud of negative thoughts are swarming my mind I try to go for a walk in nature and remind myself of all the blessings I have! Positiviy and gratitude are powerful tools and I’m learning more all the time about the law of attraction.

13. WORK HARD: If only my coworkers now, knew that I spent most of 2016 homeless, wouldn’t they be surprised?! The meaning of “work” and having a “real job” has certainly changed for me after my time spent volunteering. Working hard can mean something different to every person and you don’t always have to adhere to a “traditional” method of how you support yourself. Jonas & I had to think outside of the box when we we had no where to live and decided Workaway was the best all in one decision even though most people thought we were nuts to up and move across the country. Volunteering at bed & breakfasts gave me knew skills and experience on my resume PLUS references! We never went hungry, we never needed to ask for money, we worked on building our credit and eventually we were able to land really good paying jobs! We basically turned our whole lives around in 1 year from nothing!

14. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS: So many “impossible” dreams came true for us this year! I not only got to work with weddings but see dream destinations places like New Orleans, Sleepy Hollow, and even spend Halloween in Salem!!! Jonas got to be a professional pumpkin carver in New York and I got to do my 1st collab (thanks Sourpuss Clothing!) and hope to work with more amazing companies!

15. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: When we moved to Georgia I had no idea when I’d see my family again. My mum planned a trip to Connecticut for November to see her best friend long before we knew we’d be moving to New York and I got to see her there and show her all my favorite places of Mystic and it was such an unexpected blessing! You never know when your paths may cross again with a loved one or WHERE it may be!

16. BE READY FOR ADVENTURE: I’ve found that whenever we move to a new place the best thing we can do is look for local events and activities. We’ve experienced some once in a lifetime things just by keeping our eyes out at flyers or on social media! Who knew I’d get to see Frosty the Snowman parade in his hometown!

The same goes for looking for new opportunities, some of my favorite sites to check frequently (or signup on an email list so it comes automatically) are:

17. FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: Whether near, far, or new…friendship is such a blessing and I’m so thankful for all the beautiful souls I’ve gotten to share my adventures with in person or via the internet like dancing with a polar bear on Sinterklaas day or seeing Christmas in NYC with a life long friend! I’ve also enjoyed sending post cards to my pen pals from all the places we’ve visited; a fun old-fashioned way to keep in touch.

18. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: This year I felt like many things and people tried to crush my sparkle but I learned how to reach deep down and always keep my inner SMILE shining. I learned to have COURAGE and be KIND to others even if they don’t treat you with the same.

19. YOU’RE BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE: Strong than you seem and smarter thank you think… These words from Christopher Robin to Winnie The Pooh really rang true for me this year! I was faced with my challenges that I didn’t think I could ever conquer and I often felt totally inadequate but I learned to not be so hard myself and most importantly to believe in myself more!

20. TRY EVERYTHING:Zootopia knows what’s up and these lyrics helped me through some of the craziest times!

“I won’t give up, no I won’t give in Til I reach the end and then I’ll start again No I won’t leave, I wanna try everything I wanna try even though I could fail”

Sometimes “failing” is exactly what you’re supposed to do and trying everything is the best way to find out what is the best fit for you! Jonas & I tried being innkeepers and realized it isn’t want we want to do anymore and that’s OK! It helped sharpen our focus for the future and we can’t wait to share what’s in store for 2017!

Hello dearies and MERRY CHRISTMAS from New York City!!! Wow, I never thought I could be saying that but here’s a video of our adventures of our first time together into the Big Apple AND we got to meet up with my lifelong friend Olivia and her husband and his sister! We had a grand ol’ time exploring NYC on a snowy day!

It seems like most of the classic Christmas movies are set in NYC and walking around the streets from Grand Central Station towards Central Park sure did feel like walking in a movie set.

We had just gotten a fresh load of snow that very morning and it really lit up the city despite us having to dodge puddles of melted ice for most of the day, it was absolutely magical!

Central Park was definitely my favorite and I would love to go back and just wander around there for hours but as of this time I was having way too much fun catching up with my friend Olivia! I sure hope to have more adventures with her and her husband again soon, they are so adventures and I love how we used to play pretend horse adventures together as kids, went on a trip to Scotland as teens, and here we are meeting up in NYC..I love how special friendships like that take on so many different forms over the years!

We even got to experience a childhood moment together when we found the Balto statue! No one else in our group grew up with this beloved snow dog but we were gushing at the nostalgia!

As night fell we hit up Times Square! It was loaded with people but I guess that’s part of the charm though I don’t think I’d dare to be here on New Year’s Eve. There were so many crazy characters running around and people taking photos with people dressed like the statue of liberty but amongst all the crowds something else caught my eye. I spotted a young couple bundled up with blankets sitting on top of suitcases with a cardboard sign that read:

“Homeless & Cold: Hoping for a Christmas miracle”

That struck home so deeply with Jonas & I that we had to stop and give them a little gift, look them in the eyes and say that we have almost been homeless a few times this year and it always gets better if you keep believing and work hard. They couldn’t believe we stopped to even talk to them and I almost wanted to cry as I saw tiny flames of hope ignite in their eyes. I truly hope they have a Christmas miracle and I wish the same for any of you who may need one right now too! Merry Christmas & bye for now,

Come along with me and my friends to a magical festival in Rhinebeck, New York!

This charming village keeps the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas alive plus adds their own fantastic touches with a whole day full of magical creatures, multicultural music, and a fantasy parade! The whole main street opened their doors and had different activities such as magic shows, crown making, storytelling, puppet theater, circus performers, and the list goes on and on! Everywhere you looked there was something magical happening!

Every year they have a different animal theme and this was the year of the OWL! People were wearing feathered masks and there was even a giant cuckoo clock being operated by a owls! It was very obvious how much creativity and hand crafting went into every detail of the planning!

I’ve always been a “night owl” myself and it was such an amazing experience when the whole audience started HOOTING at the end stage of the parade. The owl queen came up and said a few words and this quote really resonated with me, she said: “In times of darkness do as the owl and turn your head the other way.”

My favorite part of the whole event though was when the whole crowd started singing “This Little Light Of Mine” and I could just feel the warmth and light from people’s hearts as we sang “Shine all over New York, Standing Rock, and the whole world!”

Jonas & I have definitely found a new favorite winter tradition! We loved how the whole experience and how it fused everything we love into one winter spectacular! It’s fun finding new traditions for us in a place we’ve both never lived before. Bye for now,

Did you know that the “Frosty The Snowman” song came before the film and that it was inspired by a real village in New York?! Come along with me to the Frosty Festival, Parade, and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Armonk, NY!

I grew up on the Frosty short film narrated by Jimmy Durante and it was always a a joy to relive the fairytale of the magical snowman. I could never have believed that one day this California girl would be living in New York and be living down the road from the town that inspired the song!

It was fun to find out that Gene Autry the “singing cowboy” was the first to record the song after his hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 1949. He was looking for another Christmas hit and so was born “Frosty The Snowman” in 1950. It wasn’t until 1969 that it became the short film TV special so many children have grown up watching.

Seeing Frosty go “thumpetty thump thump” all over the village of Armonk was a childhood Christmas dream come true! It struck me that Frosty’s story is indeed a tale of magic and believing wherever you may find it, even in a silk hat. Bye For Now,

Hello dearies! My mum came for a visit to the Northeast and it was the first time I’d seen her since we moved from California 9 months ago! It was such a joy to show her our “new home” and a few of our favorite spots in Connecticut and New York.

We were first reunited in Glastonbury, Connecticut where she was staying with a long time friend. We went for a walk and swooned over the charming colonial houses and all the gorgeous autumn leaves.

A few days later Jonas & I picked her up and took her to Mystic, Connecticut! We found the perfect fika spot in the Stonington Borough at Indulge Coffee Shop! I loved showing my mom the old lighthouse museum and the stunning seaside view. I know how much she loves those things and ever since our time in Connecticut I had wanted to show her.

Although, we had actually been on a New England trip when I was a teen and went through Mystic but I don’t remember it much. It was so special to show her “our” favorite place and especially for her to meet our Workaway family at Brigadoon Bed & Breakfast! With whom we had a delightfully cozy dinner of Irish stew (thanks so much to our fellow Workawayer “Narnia”)

On the last day we spent together she & her friend Kim drove to New York so we could show her our where we live now! It was unreal having her see the room we are renting and walking around the town together. We had brunch at my work and even got spoiled a bit by the staff, that was so special! We went looking for the Clinton’s home, got turned away by security, and had crepes even though we were already so full…we had to have a “birthday” fika for my mom (who’s birthday is actually tomorrow)!

It’s hard living away from all of our family and I often think of all the things I want to share with them in person and it was so special to be able to show my Mother dear some of those things and especially to have made warm memories. I will hold them close to my heart and think on them when California and Sweden seem like planets away. I’ll keep believing that “The Best Is Yet To Come” and that it’s only bye for now ❤

Hello dearies! My dream came true of going to Salem on HALLOWEEN!!! My husband & I always combine our birthday festivities with Halloween since they are all within 4 days of each other, but we have never traveled for Halloween weekend before and we had the most amazing adventures in Connecticut & Massachusetts!

My 30th birthday was spent in Mystic, Connecticut in search of wee faerie villages with my Workaway family and of course a stop at Mystic Pizza!

On Jonas’ birthday we went to Boston for a tea party and to see the pumpkins he carved for Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns! You can see all our birthday adventures on Tales of Sheaves (COMING SOON) but on my blog I’m going to be talking all about SALEM!!!

Ever since I first saw Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” I KNEW I one day I had to go to Salem in search of the Sanderson Sisters and the epic filming locations! On the Saturday night before Halloween we ventured into Witch City and it was the most magical experience (even after trying to find a free place to park for 1 hour).

The first filming location we spotted was The Ropes Mansion and I gasped to behold it’s beauty in real life! It was the home of Max’s crush, Allison, and where her family put on the most fancy Halloween party. Speaking of parties, the Salem Old Town Hall was the location for the party Max’s parents almost “danced until they died” when Winifred sang her bewitching version of “Put A Spell On You” with her sisters.

On Halloween day we got to explore a few more locations just outside of Salem. We found the “Hocus Pocus House” (Max’s house) at 8 Ocean Avenue. It was fun to see so many fans of the film stopping to snap a photo in their costumes and even chatting with others there. I truly felt the spirit of Halloween there!

Our favorite filming location was at the Old Burial Hill in Marblehead, Ma. It’s one of New England’s oldest cemeteries and has the most stunning view over the water.

We found the very graves where Jay & Ice met Max and bullied him into giving them his new shoes.

It’s a lovely spot for an autumn stroll!

I of course had to strut my favorite bat skirt from Sourpuss Clothing and as night fell upon All Hallow’s Eve I transformed my Halloween day outfit into a witchy night look!

All I had to do was switch my creepers and hat to pointy ones! Threw over my newly thrifted find of the century (this gorgeous black coat) and I was set for a cold Halloween night in Salem!

We stopped by the House of Seven Gables before nightfall and even had a few people want to take photos of us. Funny, because I was basically wearing my “normal clothes” with a few tweeks, just goes to show what the right accessories can do!

Have you ever felt like a clothing company just “gets” you?! Have you ever felt like a dress was made JUST for you? Well, that’s what happened to me when I saw these 2 beauties from Sourpuss Clothing!!!

I have a split Halloween fashion personality: Pinup Vintage Halloween & Grunge Goth Witch. Last year I bought my first “Peggy Dress” and this year Sourpuss was lovely enough to send me the Moon Faces dress. Perfectly paired, I feel like my soul and everything I love about Halloween is embodied in these unique dresses.

So you KNOW I had to make a lookbook, especially since I’m living in New York now (and fall is absolutely gorgeous here)!

With the help of my partner in adventure (my sweet patient husband) we scurried around the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and a local pumpkin patch to show you how magical these beauties are!

If you didn’t know already, I’m a paper moon fanatic so when Sourpuss sent me this dress out of all their lovely ones…well…I was OVER THE MOON about it and had to instantly text a photo to my moon sister at Paper Moon Shoppe because she also had this dress but in the swing style!

This party style dress has removable/adjustable straps and padded bra cups so it can be worn strapless and can be styled in so many different ways for day or night. I ordered a size XL to accommodate “my girls” but was very happy that the waist fit me perfectly (which is often not the case in most fashion stores when sizing up for bra sizes). I added a lace undershirt for a little extra coverage only because I’m just a bit shy that way but I don’t think it detracted from the lovely scalloped trim at the neck.

I debated on how I wanted to style this outfit but decided I wanted to take it in a more grunge goth direction since I’ve been all about those witchy 90s vibes lately! So, I paired it with a modern day witch hat from Target and a leather jack from H&M that I’ve had for ages.

My jewelry is hand-made and I feel really complete the 90s goth vibe but with a fall twist, since I love the leaf details (which you can see best in the lookbook video). The earrings are actually the same ones my bridesmaid’s wore for my autumn wedding and the choker was a wedding gift from a friend. I have never paired them together until now so that felt very sentimental and special!

Of course I had to wear my favorite sheer striped tights and pointy toed boots from eBay. My trusty bat purse from Banned sealed the deal and I love how the whole look came out!

I absolutely love every detail of this dress from the cheeky moon faces to the bow & scalloped details…plus, it even has POCKETS!!!

I felt like a true celestial modern day witch in this ensemble trotting along the Headless Horseman Bridge. PINCH ME! I can’t believe I live so close to Sleepy Hollow now and that Sourpuss was lovely enough to send me this perfect dress!

Everything about this little number is completely cute from the polka dot trim, orange ric rac details, and vintage pinup inspired design.

The black cats, pumpkin, and skull print makes me feel like I’m wearing a vintage Halloween postcard and I always get SO many compliments wherever I wear it. I think I fit in perfectly at our local apple orchard and pumpkin patch!

In this Sourpuss design I’m wearing a L and it is a halter top that ties behind the neck and has stretchy fabric in the back which gives lots of wiggle room for “my girls”.

I paired it with a cropped cardigan, black tights, black flats from Payless, and Doll Me Up Inc vintage style hair scarf.

I hope you enjoyed this review of my 2 favorite dresses from Sourpuss Clothing! I could wear these dresses all year long but there’s something extra special about parading around in them during the beautiful autumn time. I’ll be so sad to see October end, but I’m THRILLED that I get to spend my 30th birthday and Halloween with my love in SALEM!!! So my dearies, stay tuned for even more witchyness to come! Happy Halloween!